New Metro Schools food program supports families during summer break

A new food program from Metro Schools and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help school-aged children in Nashville who may experience hunger during summer break.

Through the district’s Nutrition Services Department and Department of Extended Learning Programs, four locations in Nashville will fill the nutrition gap and make sure children get the nutritious meals they need. The program will be free to children ages 0 to 18, regardless of whether or not they attend Metro schools. Adults aged 19 and over can receive meals at a reduced cost of $3.75.

The program is paid for through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and comes to Nashville at no net cost to taxpayers.

“We recognize that families sometimes need assistance meeting the health and nutrition needs of their children, particularly when school is not in session,” said Dr. Tony Majors, chief support services officer for Metro Schools. “We are happy the summer feeding program can play a part in supporting our families during the summer break.”

According to the latest Map the Meal Gap study, one in five children in Middle Tennessee are food insecure, or without access to enough food to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Not only is hunger one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process, but inadequate nutrition can lead to long-term health consequences.

“Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again, making children more prone to illness and other health issues,” said Jennifer Bell, director of Extended Learning Programs for Metro Schools.

“During the school year we serve 92,000 meals a day district wide. We are happy to continue serving students who may otherwise miss out on a meal during the summer months,” said Spencer Taylor, executive director of Nutrition Services for Metro Schools.

Summer Feeding Program Schedule and Locations

Location

Address

Dates

Time

Buena Vista Enhanced Option Elementary

1531 9th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

June 13 – July 22

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Fall-Hamilton Elementary

510 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

May 31 – July 22

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Cole Elementary

5060 Colemont Drive, Antioch, TN 37013

June 13 – July 22

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Pearl Cohn High School

904 26th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

June 13 – July 14

12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Families can call the Family Information Center at 615-259-4636 for any questions about the Summer Feeding Program.

Search

Blogs & Links

Submit Stories

We want to hear your good news out of Metro Schools! Email your stories to Children First. Include your name and any important details we need to know, especially if you’re submitting an events & happening in advance. Thank you for supporting our schools!